Day Two
Theme: Who Are You?
When I ask this question to somebody, they usually tell me their name. Everyone is given a name. Many names have meanings. Does your name have a meaning? Some names may have come from a relative like a grandparent or a great grandparent. Or the name was a name that your parent always loved. Our name identifies us, but it doesn't show who we are. Many people use a middle name, or a nickname. Some people even change their name. If you could change your name, what would it be?
Today I ask the question, Who Are You? This is a big question. And the cool thing about it, is there's not one answer. Because each of you are many things. What makes you who you are can be answered in many ways.
When we are born, we come with gifts. These gifts make up a part of who we are. Some people have a gift of taking care of others. Like a nurse, doctor or an aid who helps take care of the elderly. Do you know someone who is a caretaker? Some people have the gift of playing music, painting or writing. Some people have gifts to work in grocery stores, so we can easily buy our food. Do you know a musician, a cashier or an artist? Some people are good with math or science, some have gifts for teaching others. All gifts are important. Some may seem bigger than others, but a gift is a gift, and it's important to know that each person has something to share if you let them.
But this is about you. Oh, and a bit about Alice. Alice? Alice who?
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, or Alice in Wonderland (for short), is a 1865 novel written by English author Charles Dodgson, under the pseudonym (a pseudonym is a name someone chooses instead of using their birth name), Lewis Carroll. Have you ever heard of the story or read it?
I think it's a good story to read and think about right now. Here's a quick look into what happens. Alice, who is lazing around on a normal, summer afternoon, sees a white rabbit, becomes curious and follows it. She accidentally falls down the rabbit hole. Here's a drawing of Alice falling! Think about if you fell down a rabbit hole. Who would you take with you? What would you take with you? What would you be okay leaving behind? What would you really miss?
Here's something to think about. Not that long ago, we were all doing our daily routine, and similar to Alice, we were not paying attention and we kind of fell down a sort of rabbit hole. Leaving behind one world, and entering a new kind of world. Like Alice, this new place is much different. It's hard to make sense out of it.
But, Alice has to quickly adjust, otherwise she would just cry forever. Instead, she becomes curious, and curiouser. Eventually, she comes upon a caterpillar. Not just any old caterpillar. This one is smoking! And the caterpillar asks her - Who are you? (Remember, this course asks you to use your imagination much like Lewis Carroll). The conversation between the caterpillar and Alice follows.
Illustrations By Angel Dominguez
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The Caterpillar and Alice looked at each other for some time in silence: at last the Caterpillar took the hookah out of its mouth, and addressed her in a languid, sleepy voice.
'Who are you?' said the Caterpillar.
This was not an encouraging opening for a conversation. Alice replied, rather shyly, 'I — I hardly know, sir, just at present — at least I know who I WAS when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then.'
'What do you mean by that?' said the Caterpillar sternly. 'Explain yourself!'
'I can't explain myself, I'm afraid, sir' said Alice, 'because I'm not myself, you see.'
'I don't see,' said the Caterpillar.
'I'm afraid I can't put it more clearly,' Alice replied very politely, 'for I can't understand it myself to begin with; and being so many different sizes in a day is very confusing.'
'It isn't,' said the Caterpillar.
'Well, perhaps you haven't found it so yet,' said Alice; 'but when you have to turn into a chrysalis — you will someday, you know — and then after that into a butterfly, I should think you'll feel it a little different, won't you?'
'Not a bit,' said the Caterpillar.
'Well, perhaps your feelings may be different,' said Alice; 'all I know is, it would feel very peculiar to me.'
'You!' said the Caterpillar contemptuously. 'Who are you?'
Alice has a hard time explaining who she is. Especially with so many changes happening. Although Alice doesn't realize it, I think she shows us a lot about herself.
Today's Activity: Thinking, Writing or Sharing, and Drawing
Inspiration and Examples: Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland
Here's the thinking part. Who are You?
Think of different ways that make you, YOU. Maybe you're a helper. Or you enjoy making people smile. Maybe you're a doer (like me...I like staying busy), or maybe you're someone who likes to think up new inventions. What are some of your gifts? You can write these down, talk about it with your family, or draw them! What are some other things that make you who you are?
Drawing and/or Writing Activity:
Today's drawing activity is to draw a new world. Or...and...tell it, and write the story down! The one where you landed, after falling down the rabbit hole. Draw a world that's different than the one you live in now. It might help to first think about what you want to include. Maybe write it down, or if you feel more comfortable, just get started drawing. Would your new world have people? Animals? Aliens? What color is the sky? Or is it under water? As always, use your curiosity and imagination. This is a drawing/story you can do together if you have someone to draw with. You may like to do your own drawing. I can't wait to see and read some of your ideas.
Supplies:
Paper or a journal
Pens, Colored Pencils, Markers or Crayons
Watercolors if you wish
Goal: Complete a few ideas of what makes you
who you are. Complete a story and drawing of a
new world.
As always, have fun with it!
You may send it to indigonaturearts@gmail.com.
Gratitude: Thank you for sharing - who you are, and drawing a new world!
What are you grateful for today?...
Click on the picture until you find the joke. Then find the rabbit and the answer by clicking.